Send & Receive Issues

How to Fix All Outlook Email Going to the Junk Email Folder

Steve K Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to stop all incoming Outlook emails from automatically being routed to the Junk Email folder.

How to Fix All Outlook Email Going to the Junk Email Folder

Product: Microsoft 365 Outlook
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Receiving incoming emails in the inbox without them being automatically flagged as spam.
Observed behavior: All incoming messages are being moved to the Junk Email folder, even when inbox rules, safe senders, and blocked senders are correctly configured.

Before you start

Before making advanced changes, log into Outlook on the Web (OWA) to check if the issue persists there; this helps determine if the problem is local to your Outlook desktop app or related to the Microsoft 365 server.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure Junk Email Options and Mark as Not Junk

Adjust the protection level in Outlook's Junk Email options to ensure the automatic filter isn't set too aggressively.

Outlook features a built-in Junk Email Filter that evaluates incoming messages. If set to 'High' or 'Safe Lists Only', it may inadvertently send legitimate emails to the Junk folder.

Open Junk Email Options

In the Outlook desktop client, go to the 'Home' tab, click on the 'Junk' dropdown icon in the Delete group, and select 'Junk Email Options'.

Adjust the Protection Level

Under the 'Options' tab, change the protection level to 'No Automatic Filtering' or 'Low', then click 'Apply' and 'OK'.

Mark Misclassified Emails

Navigate to your Junk Email folder, right-click any legitimate message, select 'Junk', and then click 'Not Junk'. Check the box to always trust emails from that specific email address.

Tip: Marking an email as 'Not Junk' automatically adds the sender to your Safe Senders list, preventing future emails from them from being flagged.

Solution 2

Review Inbox Rules and Perform an Office Repair

Hidden, corrupted, or conflicting inbox rules can force emails into the junk folder. A corrupted Office installation can also cause erratic email routing.

Solution 3

Review Exchange Online Anti-Spam Policies (Admin Only)

If local settings fail to resolve the issue, a Microsoft 365 Administrator needs to check the tenant's mail flow and anti-spam settings.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Seamless Document Experience

While troubleshooting complex Microsoft 365 Outlook server issues, you might want a simpler, hassle-free alternative for your daily document productivity. WPS Office offers a comprehensive, free office suite that integrates perfectly with your existing workflow.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
2. Install the Suite: Run the setup file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to install the software.
3. Open and Edit Documents: Launch WPS Office to instantly open, edit, and save your existing Office documents with full compatibility.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Lightweight installation that consumes fewer system resources than standard Office suites.Free to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate interface that requires no learning curve.Built-in PDF reader and editor for complete, all-in-one document management.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are emails from my Safe Senders list still going to Junk?

This typically happens if server-level anti-spam policies in Microsoft 365 override your local Safe Senders list, or if the local Outlook profile data handling the Safe Senders list has become corrupted.

How do I check if the issue is with my Outlook app or the server?

Log into Outlook on the Web (OWA) via your browser. If incoming emails are still going directly to the Junk folder there, the issue is at the server or account level. If they go to the Inbox in OWA but to Junk in your desktop app, the desktop app is the problem.

Can an Office Online Repair fix email routing issues?

Yes. If the issue is caused by a corrupted local Outlook client misinterpreting junk mail rules or failing to synchronize properly, an Online Repair can refresh the application files and resolve the incorrect local routing.

Will marking an email as 'Not Junk' prevent future emails from that sender going to junk?

Yes, marking an email as 'Not Junk' prompts Outlook to automatically add the sender's email address to your Safe Senders list, which usually guarantees that future emails from them will bypass the local junk filter.

Outlook & Email Problems